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Prize 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE FARM JOURNAL 

PHILADELPHIA 



PREFACE 



This booklet has been prepared for the particular use of 
Farm Journal Boys. 

It is to tell them, as simply and clearly as possible, how to 
raise the best corn, and to insure, as far as possible, that they 
will win the first prize in any Corn Contest they may enter. 
The methods here given will surely achieve this result, whether 
the contest is on a basis of the best ears, the heaviest yield, or 
the greatest profit. While not identical, the system that will 
secure any one of these ends will secure the others. They are 
the fundamentals of modern scientific corn-growing. 

Of course, as between two boys using the same system and 
equal industry and care, the prize will go to the one who has the 
better soil or the better seed corn, or both. But as between two 
boys having equal soil, seed, and energy, the one following the 
directions of this booklet will surely win out. 

The text and illustrations have been taken from Prof. P. G. 
Holden's Corn Secrets, first published by us in 1910, omitting 
some passages which, while important to corn growers, are not 
absolutely essential in a special hand-book of this kind. Such 
an instance is the very valuable chapter in Corn Secrets on 
"Corn Enemies," which we have not been able to include. For 
a complete and authoritative treatise on corn, from all sides, we 
must refer the reader to Corn Secrets. 

The boy who reads these pages is especially urged to make 
a careful study of the illustrations and descriptions, and not to 
pass over them in a casual way. They have been prepared with 
great care, and each one tells an important part of the story. 

The Publishers. 



Growing Prize 
Corn 



BY 

P. G. HOLDEN 



"And he gave it for his opinion that whoever could make 
two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a 
spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve 
better of mankind and do more essential service to his 
country than the whole race of politicians put together." 

— Dean Swift. 



PUBLISHED BY 

WILMER ATKINSON COMPANY 
PHILADELPHIA 

1914 

Copyright, 1914, Wilmer Atkinson Company 






THE FOUR ESSENTIALS 



If I owned the farms of the United States, says Prof. Holden 
in "Corn Secrets," I would give four orders to my farmers, as 
follows: 

i . Harvesting. You must harvest during the last ten days 
of September and the first five days of October of this year and 
every year thereafter, all the seed corn intended for the next 
spring's planting. This seed must be strung and hung up each 
day, as fast as harvested, according to plans which will be 
explained in another place. 

You will be expected to harvest and store as described, at 
least five times the amount of seed actually required for planting, 
that you may have plenty from which to select the best ; and also 
sufficient to provide for any replanting which may be made 
necessary from any cause. 

2. Testing. You must make a thorough germination test 
of at least six kernels from every ear selected for planting, and 
discard all ears that are dead or that give weak germination. 
You will be expected to begin this important work February 
20th, and continue until it is completed, which should not be 
later than March 20th. 

Specific directions for this work are given in another place 
under the head of "Preparing the Seed for the Planter" and also 
in "Steps in Testing Corn." You will study these directions 
carefully at once that you may, in due time, make the proper 
preparations for the work. You will be expected to follow these 
directions in detail as nearly as possible. 

3. Grading and Hand -Picking. That you may secure 
regularity in the drop of the planter and the right number of 
kernels per hill (which must be not less than three), you will shell 
fifteen or twenty ears, each ear separately, placing the larger 
kerneled ears in one grade and the smaller in another. You will 
now test the drop of the planter with each of these grades, using 
the different sized plates. Thisis necessary to secure a uniform 
and proper drop. When this has been done you will proceed 
with the shelling, shelling each ear separately and placing it in 
the grade to which it belongs. You will now hand-pick the seed 
by spreading it out on a table, a small quantity at a time, dis- 
carding the black, broken, moldy, rotten, frozen and barren 
kernels, — kernels which will take the place of good ones in the 
planter and leave vacant places in the field. 

You will now place the seed in sacks, one-third to one-half 
bushel in each, and hang, as fast as sacks are filled, in a dry place 
where they will be safe from injury by mice. 

4. Improvement: The Best 100 Ears. You must take 
great pains at time of harvesting and tying up the seed, and 

©CI.A376049 

MA" 



Growing Prize Corn 5 

especially during the preparation of the seed for the planter, to 
select the choicest 100 ears, which you must shell and keep 
separate from the general supply of seed by providing sacks of 
different colors. You must plant this best seed on one side of 
your best and earliest planted field. It is from this seven or eight 
acres thus planted that you will select all the seed in September 
for next year's planting, as described in Order No. 1. 

There is absolutely no excuse which shall exempt you from 
carrying out these four orders in good faith. Any person who 
fails, will do so at the risk of having his lease discontinued at the 
close of the year. 

While these instructions may seem arbitrary and dictatorial, 
they are not so intended, and are given only after much thought 
and time have been devoted to the question of improving the corn 
crop. If the work is carried out as outlined, and it must be, it 
will result in greatly increasing the yield and improving the 
quality of the corn crop. 

It cannot possibly result in any injury to the seed or cause 
loss in any way. You are in a position to perform this work 
thoroughly with the conveniences which you have at hand. 
You will also observe that this work can all be done by yourself 
and members of your family, and with practically no expenditure 
of money. 

It can also be done at a time when no other work will thereby 
be delayed or neglected. In other words, there is everything to 
be gained and nothing to be lost. If this work is fairly well done 
it will increase the yield on our farms from the present average 
of thirty-four bushels per acre to forty-four bushels. One 
additional fourteen ounce ear of corn to each hill will make 
forty-four bushels per acre. It is not only possible to do this, but 
the yield can eventually be raised to fifty-four bushels per acre. 

Three Things That You Must Not Do 

1. You must not import seed corn from a distance with 
which to plant the general crop. If, however, it becomes neces- 
sary for any reason to purchase seed corn to plant, you must 
secure the same from some reliable person in your vicinity. 
You may, if you so desire, import a small quantity for the pur- 
pose of comparison. 

2. You must not follow oats with corn. This rule will be 
put in force after the present year when you shall have had 
time to make the necessary readjustments. 

3. You must not continue on your farm without establishing 
a definite system of rotation. This rotation shall include clover 
or clover and timothy, and corn must not be grown more than 
two years in succession on the same land. 

In the following chapters complete instructions, with ex- 
planations and illustrations, are given for carrying out these 
orders. 



Growing Prize Corn 



THE FIRST ESSENTIAL 

Gathering and Storing the Seed Ears for the Next Spring's Planting 
GATHERING THE SEED 

Fig. i. Harvesting the Seed Corn for Next Year's Planting. — Every ear 
of corn intended for planting should be harvested before the severe fall freezes, 
and stored where it will dry out and keep 
dry. In Iowa and the northern half of Illinois 
this work should be done the last ten days 
of September and the first four or five days 
of October. Frozen seed corn costs the 
country millions of dollars every year. 

A Convenient Method of Gathering the 
Seed as One Passes Between the Rows. — Use 
an ordinary two bushel grain sack; a wooden 
hoop from a nail keg is put in the top of the 
sack. Some heavy cord, fourteen inches long 
(binding twine doubled several times) is tied 
to one of the bottom corners of the sack; the 
other end of the cord is then brought over 
the shoulder and tied to the hoop in the top 
of the sack. The cord is wrapped with an 
old sack to prevent the string cutting the 
shoulder. 

Fig. 2. Tying up the Seed Corn. Putting in the First Ear. — A piece of 
binding twine is doubled and the ends tied together. Note how the string is 
held in the hands. 




Fig. 





Fig. 2 



Fig- 3 



Fig. 3. Putting in the Second Ear. — Notice that the left hand is run 
through between the two strands of binding twine held in the right hand. 
The hands are now brought back and the man standing is ready for the third 
ear, fifth ear, etc., as shown in the next figure. 



Growing Prize Corn 7 

Fig. 4. — The left hand is again run through the strings in the right hand, 
and reversed. 

Fig. 5. Showing the String of Corn Completed Ready to be Hung up 
Where it Will Dry Out and Keep Dry. — When the last ear is laid in, one end of 
the string is slipped under the string in the other hand, and fastened. 




Fig. 4 



Fig. 5 





Fig. 7 

Fig. 6. Commencing on the 

Second String. — Tie and hang up the 

seed the same day or evening that it 

is brought in. This method of tying 

up allows a free circulation of air. 

Fi g- 6 It is circulation of air, not heat that 

is needed to dry out the seed. Corn commonly contains at this time from 

thirty to forty-five per cent, of water. It requires but a few minutes to tie 



8 Growing Prize Corn 

up 300 or 400 ears. Don't leave them on the porch for the chickens to get 
at, or in a pile where they will mold or freeze before they are dry. TIE and 
HANG up at once. 

Fig. 7. — Experiments show that the attic or some up-stairs room where 
the windows can be opened to give circulation of air during October and 
November, is the best place to hang seed corn. A space 3x8 feet will hold 200 
strings of seed corn like the above or enough to plant 200 acres. Discard 
three-fourths of it in the spring and there is left sufficient to plant fifty acres, 
or more than the average acreage on each farm. Hang the strings in rows 
four inches apart each way. 

A Study of the Stalk 

The character of the stalk should be taken into consideration in selecting 
the seed. 

There are almost as many things to be considered in connection with the 
stalk as have been discussed with regard to the ear; though it will be impossible 
to give to the subject the space it deserves. 

There are the root system; the character of the foliage, and its distribu- 
tion on the stalk; the disposition to sucker and to set several ears; the length 
of the shank, the time of pollenation as compared with silking; susceptibility 
to disease such as rust, smut and mold; tendency to break over at the roots, 
below the ear and above the ear; premature ripening, leaving the ear light and 
chaffy; the position of the ear on the stalk, high, medium or low; erect or 
drooping; the way the ear is covered with the husks and the comparative 
maturity of the different stalks and ears, etc. 

The great majority of corn raisers do not take these things into considera- 
tion. They simply save the occasional good eat throughout the husking season 
or pick them from the crib at planting time. 

We must know the stalk upon which the ear grew, whether the stalk was 
the only one in the hill or one of three stalks. 

How is This to be Done? There is just one practical way to do it, and 
that is to go into the field in the fall, before the nights are cold enough to injure 
the vitality of the corn, and select the best ears, provided they come from 
strong, healthy, desirable stalks. We simply must come to this method of 
selecting our seed corn. 

Strong Stalks. The stock from which an ear is selected should be strong, 
vigorous and healthy, indicating ability to win in the competition and to over- 
come unfavorable conditions. We should discriminate against spindling 
stalks, especially those that are small from the ear to the ground. Particularly 
should we avoid those stalks which have shown their weakness by breaking 
over. The ear is likely to rest on the ground and gather moisture and mold. 
Though the ear may not rest on the ground it will not dry out, as the wind 
cannot get to it. Such an ear may be sound and all right this year, but it will 
transmit its weakness if we use it for seed. 

Height of Ear. Select ears from as nearly the same height and position 
on the stalk as possible. The higher growing ears will tend to make the corn 
later each year, and with this lateness will come larger ears, more rows and 
deeper kernels and finally sappiness, chaffiness, poor quality, frozen or moldy 
corn. Such stalks are more likely to break over in the wind. 



Growing Prize Corn 9 

If we go to the other extreme we will soon get an early, small, slim, flinty 
ear with shallow kernels and open furrows between the rows and the yield will 
be reduced. Or, if we select without any regard to height of ear, we will have 
a mixture of large and small ears, of deep and shallow kernels, of soft ears and 
flinty ears, which, in some respects at least, is worse than either extreme. 

Drooping or Erect Ears. An ear that droops its nose slightly as the husk 
begins to turn yellow and open is preferable to one that stands erect allowing 
the water to run down under the husks and stand at the butt of the ear, which 
of course is undesirable. The drooping ears are generally a little earlier than 
the erect ones. If you have a variety in which the ears mostly stand erect 
in ripening time, it is better that the husks should be long enough to cover the 
tip of the ear and remain pretty well closed to prevent the water from running 
down under the cover next to the ear. 







THIS EAR 


: 


* 




IS 




■ ; -:"-:-'^^--: 




NOT HERE. ; 


| 


1 




WT. 0. 


3-OZ 


7-02 








Fig. 1 



Fig. 2 



Short Shank Desirable. The ear should be set on a short shank close to 
the stalk. Ears on long shanks are more likely to be broken off and are a 
nuisance to handle especially if the corn is cut and shocked. Of more conse- 
quence, however, is the fact that it indicates a tendency to reversion and degen- 
eracy. 

Freedom from Disease. The stalks should be free from disease such as 
smut, rust, mold, etc. The corn from some ears is much more susceptible to 
disease than that from others. Anyone who will plant say, 50 or 100 ears, 
each in a separate row side by side, will notice at harvest time that some of 
these rows are badly affected by smut or rust and sometimes with mold, while 
the adjoining rows may not show a single case of disease on any of the 800 
stalks. I have seen cases where nearly every stalk coming from a certain ear 
was affected, and so badly affected that there was not a good ear on any of the 
800 stalks. 

If you have never given this matter any attention you will hardly notice 
the rusty stalks. The leaves will show hundreds of small faded spots. These 



10 



Growing Prize Corn 



will be better seen if you hold the leaf up to the light and look through it. 
You may also frequently notice a moldy appearance on the shank or at the 
joints often extending to the ear. These are things that are worth taking into 
consideration. 

The Foliage, its Character and Distribution. A thin, sparse foliage 
is never desirable. It carries with it nothing but weakness. In the corn belt 
where the ear is the most valuable part of the plant, we should secure the kind 
of stalk and foliage which will give the greatest profit in grain. This will not 
be secured by a dense, heavy foliage. The best results will be between the 
two extremes. The leaves should not be thin, pale and papery but reasonably 
broad, thick, dark green and not whipped to shreds by the wind. The lower 

leaves should not be too much dried 
up and the stalk should not be pre- 
maturely ripened, as this means 
weak and inferior ears. 




Fig. 3 



Fig. 4 



If the corn is grown for the fodder as well as for the ear, and is to be 
shocked or siloed, then the selection should be for an abundance of heavy 
dark-green foliage, with leaves broad, thick, leathery and green to the ground. 

Sometimes a large proportion of the foliage is above the ear, in which case 
the wind is apt to break the stalk over. There are other disadvantages such 
as lateness, etc. Neither should all of the foliage be beneath the ear, but 
fairly well distributed, with the greater part below. 



Growing Prize Corn 



ii 



Tendency to Sucker. The tendency to much suckering is undesirable 
and greatly reduces the yield. There are several causes which tend to increase 
suckering. Rich ground with excessive plant food, wet seasons, thin stand. 
Suckers rob other plants of space, light, moisture and plant food and give in 
return little but fodder. The few nubbins which they produce are soft and 
reduce the quality of the crop. Even when corn is grown for fodder, suckering 
is not desirable. It indicates a ten- 
dency to revert to its native condi- 
tion. When ears are planted in 
separate rows it is observed that 
some of the rows will have many 
suckers while others may be entirely 
or nearly free from them. 

The flint corns and the dent 
varieties grown in the northern out- 
skirts of the corn belt show a strong 
tendency to sucker. Pulling the 
suckers is often impracticable. The 
thing to do is to select seed from 
the stalks that are free from suckers. 




n JO* 


M' 





Fig. S Fig. 6 

Two Ears to the Stalk not Desirable. Except possibly in the case of 
flint varieties and the early northern dent varieties which are grown for the 
fodder it will be advisable to select seed from one-ear stalks. If we attempt 



12 



Growing Prize Corn 



to secure two ears to the stalk, we will greatly reduce the quality. The ears 
will be small and the second one to set will be soft and imperfectly pollinated. 
Covering of the Ear With Husks. A heavy mass of husks on an ear or 
the projection of the husks beyond the tip of the ear into a tight point are 
objectionable, they prevent the corn from drying and make it more difficult to 
husk. The husks should just fairly cover the tip of the ear and should loosen 
or open at time of ripening to allow circulation of air in order to dry out the corn. 
Figs. I and 2. — The product of the average hill of corn in the corn belt 
equals thirty-two bushels per acre. We plant three kernels and harvest 
what is equal to one ten ounce ear, or one small ear weighing seven ounces 
and a nubbin weighing three ounces. 

Fig. 3. Uniformity of Height 
Desirable. — The height of ears will 
vary with different varieties, soils, 
and latitudes, but it should be uni- 
form as shown by these excellent 
hills. If every hill produced two 
ears such as hill No. 1, the yield 
would be ninety-three bushels per 
acre, or nearly three times the pres- 
ent average of the corn belt. If 
each hill produced three ears such as 
No. 2, the yield would be 120 bushels 
or nearly four times the average. 

Fig. 4. — We should know the 
stalk from which our seed ears are 
picked. Here are three hills of corn 
each with two stalks. It is apparent 
that the height of the two ears in 
each hill must be due to inheritance, 
since it could not be due to difference 
in soil or treatment, for these were 
necessarily the same. With different 
heights of ear are associated many 
other diversities, which are objec- 
tionable, such as difference in time 
of ripening, depth of kernels, shape 
of ear, etc. 

Fig. 5. Stalks Fooling Around 
all Summer Doing Nothing. — Barren 
stalks and weak ones are the cause of great losses in every field. Where corn 
is grown almost wholly for the grain, these barren stalks are not simply so 
much loss, they are worse than worthless, for they not only deprive the good 
stalks of light, moisture and food, but they produce millions of grains of pollen 
to fertilize the silks of good ears and so propagate their kind for the future. 
Four of the five stalks in these two hills are barren. Notice their weak ap- 
pearance. They were weak when they came up, they were weak when they 
first sprouted. Many of these weak stalks can be eliminated by testing each 
ear and discarding those with weak germination. 




Fig. 7 



Growing Prize Corn 



13 



Fig. 6. Inheritance. Three Stalks From One Hill. — Stalk No. 3 is 
barren. Stalk No. I bore two ears which weighed one and one-half pounds 
equal to seventy-six bushels per acre. Stalk No. 3 is large and strong, but 
why barren? It inherited this tendency from some of its parents. 

Fig. 7. Strong and Weak Stalks. — No. 1 is a good stalk; the ear is set just 
a little low. No. 2 has long joints, scant foliage and ear too near the tassel. 



THE SECOND ESSENTIAL 

Selecting the Type of Ear and Kernel From Which You Wish to Breed, 

and Testing the Ears for Vitality 

EXAMINING THE EARS 

Lay the ears side by side on the tables or planks arranged for that purpose, 
where they can be studied and compared and the poorer ones discarded. 




Fig. 1 

DISCARDING POOR EARS 

Fig. 1. — When the table has been filled go over the ears and discard the 
poorer ones, i. e., those which by general appearance show immaturity, weak 
constitution, or are chaffy, moldy, etc. This process must be repeated by 
adding new ears until the table is again full of ears which, judging from out- 
side appearance, are good. 

Fig. 2. — The cover page shows a Grand Champion ear of Reid's Yellow 
Dent corn. It is one of the best, if not the best, all-round ear of corn ever 
exhibited. It was grown by D. L. Pascal, of DeWitt, Iowa. Ten and one- 
quarter inches long; seven and seven-eighths inches circumference two inches 
from butt; six and seven-eighths inches circumference two inches from tip; 
weight nineteen ounces. 



14 Growing Prize Corn 

Size of Ears. A good sized ear is essential to a good yield. It indicates 
that the ear comes from a strong, vigorous, healthy stalk and that in turn it 
will produce stalks and ears having a strong constitution and hardiness. No 
one would think of selecting for seed small, weak, puny-looking ears. Corn 
has been bred for the grain or ear until the proportion of corn to stalk is ab- 
normally high and consequently the tendency is for the ear to become smaller 
unless we select larger ears than we expect in the average of the crop. 

On the other hand, the greater danger lies in selecting too large ears and 
too large types of corn, and this is especially true of the northern half of the 
corn belt. For every dollar lost by growing corn that is too small or too early 
there are ten to twenty dollars lost from growing corn that is too large and too 
late in maturing. If the season is late and cold, or the frosts come too early, 
or if the seed is planted late in the spring, the grower has a lot of soft, chaffy, 
moldy, light corn. ' In addition to this it is very difficult to secure good seed 
from such corn for next year's crop. It is certain to be more or less frozen, 
moldy and weak, and to result in a poor stand and a poor crop. Large, sappy, 
immature ears fill the wagon-box rapidly, and we deceive ourselves into think- 
ing that we are getting a large yield. Corn of this kind often contains from 
thirty- five to forty-five per cent, of water. When the corn dries it is loose on 
the cob, chaffy and light. The little cells in the kernels are only partially 
filled with food and are dull and chalky, or starchy, instead of bright, hard, 
heavy and rich in appearance. The corn is apt to spoil, especially in the 
bottom of the crib, i. e., burns out, and it is unpalatable to stock. The grower 
of such corn is required to sell at a greatly reduced price. What we want is 
corn that will be safe every year. Remember that two small ears, weighing but 
ten ounces each, to each hill will make sixty-four bushels per acre, or double the 
average yield. Three of them will give nearly ioo bushels per acre. 

Solidity or Heaviness. This indicates full maturity, good quality, 
feeding value and yield. 

Uniformity in Size and Shape of Both Ears and Kernels. Many 
exhibitors and corn growers fail fully to realize the importance of selecting ears 
of uniform size and shape. Large ears will generally have larger and deeper 
kernels. Short, bunchy ears are certain to have deeper kernels than long, 
slim ears. As a consequence the planter cannot be adjusted to give a uniform 
drop. 

If we have large and small ears, bunchy and slim ears, deep kerneled and 
shallow kerneled ears we shall not only have unevenness in size and shape of 
kernels, but we shall also have a great variation in time of maturity, some stalks 
bearing early and some late, and some having high ears and some low. 

Kernels of the same ear will not mature at the same time, and some will 
turn black and moldy. These late, sappy kernels are likely to be injured by 
freezing. 

CHOOSING GOOD KERNELS 

From each of these selected ears remove two or three kernels, and place 
them, germ side up, at the end of the ear from which they were taken. Make 
a more careful study of both the kernels and the ears, pulling back to be 
discarded those ears which have faulty kernels, i. e., ears whose kernels are 
too small, too shallow or are immature, starchy, or moldy, or that have small, 
weak, or frozen germs, etc. Do not neglect this step. 




Growing Prize Corn 15 

Fig. 3. — (g) is germ or heart of the kernel; (fp) is the white, floury, starchy 
looking material in the center of the kernel; (hp) is the hard, horny portion. 

The composition of these parts is approximately as 

follows: 

Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 

Oil. Protein. Ash. Total. 

Germ or heart. . 50. 20. 10. 80. 

Horny portion. . .5 10 . . .5 1 1 . 

White, floury. . . .3 8. .5 8.8 

Fig- 3 This shows that the heart of the kernel is by far the richest 

part. Eighty per cent, of it being composed of oil, protein 
and ash, the most valuable food constituents. The white, floury looking por- 
tion is the poorest part of the kernel, containing but 8.8 per cent, of the oil, 
protein and ash. It will readily be seen that the larger the germ or heart 
and the smaller the floury looking portion, the richer will be the corn. We do 
not need a chemist to show us the richest ears; we can determine it by examin- 
ing the kernels. 

The Germ, Chit or Heart of the Kernel. The germs should be large, 
clean, clear and bright. The germ is much richer in oil, ash and protein than 
the rest of the kernel, therefore, it should be large, giving us stronger germina- 
tion and more vigorous plants in the field. 

Be suspicious of a shriveled, wrinkled or blistered germ. In examining 
corn the germ should be opened up with the knife. This will enable one to 
determine, not only the size of the germ, but its condition. If it is pasty or 
salvy, or is yellow or black, the vitality is very questionable. When possible, 
the germination or vitality should be determined by actually sprouting six 
kernels taken from different parts of each ear. 

Depth of Kernels. Other things being equal the deeper the kernels the 
greater will be the per cent, of corn to the cob and the greater the yield. It is 
therefore desirable to have a good depth of kernel on an ear, but since it is so, 
there is danger of overdoing it. There is much greater loss from selecting ears 
with too much depth of kernels than ears with kernels too shallow. 

The objections to too deep kernels are: 1. Their immaturity, sappiness, 
chaffiness, mold, etc., resulting in poor quality and low, actual yield from the 
feeding standpoint. 2. They contain more moisture than shallow kernels, are 
slow in drying out and consequently the seed is more likely to freeze or mold and 
to give a poor stand the following year, which means a less yield. 3. The 
planter is made to handle the average length of kernels and will not give an even 
drop if they are abnormally deep. Experience shows that on an average we 
are much more likely to have a thin stand from deep kernels than from medium 
depth kernels, due first, to weakness of seed; and, second, to difficulty in 
securing an even drop. 

Sappiness, Chaffiness, Starchiness, etc. These are all indications of 
immaturity and lead us to be suspicious, also, of the vitality. 

A sappy ear is one which contains a large amount of water. It is shown 
by heaviness of ear, softness of grain and cob, and the ease with which the ear 
may be twisted in the hands. When the sappy ear dries out, the kernels are 
shriveled or shrunken and become loose on the cob. We call such an ear 
chaffy. When the kernels in such an ear, instead of being clear, bright, hard 
and horny are dull, soft and whitish or chalky in appearance, we call the ear 



1 6 Growing Prize Corn 

starchy. In all of these cases it is apparent that the corn did not have time 
fully to develop. Either it was too large and too late for the region, or it was 
planted out of season or harvested too early in the fall. For the first reason it 
should be discriminated against much more strongly than for the second, espec- 
ially from the standpoint of seed selection. 

When we say an ear is "mature," "well ripened," etc., we mean that the 
thousands of little cells in the kernels are completely filled, i. e., packed full of 
food for the future plant when the seed germinates. Immaturity means that 
the process by which the cells were filled was stopped too soon. 

Every feeder of experience fights shy of immature corn, because animals 
will not consume enough to make satisfactory gains. When it molds in the 
field or crib, as it does more or less, it is unpalatable and unhealthy. 

Corn put into the crib in the fall in a sappy condition freezes and thaws 
repeatedly through the winter. In March and April when the weather warms 
up, it will be found that the hearts of the kernels have turned to a cheesy color 
and later become black and are strong to the taste. In this last case I have 
reference not to soft, immature corn, but to what would be considered as very 
good corn except that it is large and contains considerable water. 

The real significance of the matter will be better understood when it is 
realized that the germ or heart of the kernel is by far the richest part of the 
corn for feed. 

Shape of Ear. In general the ear should conform to the variety type. 
For example, we would expect the Reid's Yellow Dent and Legal Tender 
varieties to be longer in proportion to their circumference than the Silver King 
or Boone Co. White. We would expect the Learning to taper more toward 
the tip of the ear than the Boone Co. White or Silver Mine. We often over- 
look the fact that when we attempt to change the shape of the ears there are 
certain other things which are bound to follow. For example, if we select 
ears that are cylindrical, i. e., ears that are as large at the tips as at the butt, 
the ears within a few years will become shorter, larger around, later in maturity, 
higher on the stalk; the kernels larger, deeper and rougher; the stalks larger 
and the leaves thicker and broader. 

Many breeders and exhibitors have injured their corn by selecting ears 
nearly as large at the tip as at the butt. On the other hand, if the ears taper 
too much the corn becomes flinty, the kernels shallow and small toward the 
tip of the ear. If we select long ears our corn will gradually become earlier, 
the kernels broader, shallower and harder, with furrows between the rows. 
The stalks will become smaller, the leaves narrower and the ears lower on the 
stalk. We should bear in mind that when we undertake to bring about by 
selection some one particular thing desired that we also secure a number of 
other things some of which may be very detrimental. 

Climate, soil and the use to which the crop is put are also important 
factors to be considered in determining the type of ear to be selected. As we 
go north with* a variety we should select ears that are more slender, and that 
have, smoother, shallower kernels and wider furrows. 

As we go south we should select larger ears, fuller in the middle, with 
deeper kernels and a rough dent. 

In like manner a rich soil and higher altitude require, for best results, a 
larger ear than thin, poor soils and lower altitude. In the South a hard, 
flinty corn resists the weevil better than the larger, soft kerneled types. 

Where corn is grown largely for the total feed value of the grain and 
stalks, i. e., where it is cut and shocked or put in the silo, much less attention 
need be given to large shanks and big butts. The fact is, these things tend to 
carry with them sturdiness, vigor and heavy foliage. 



Growing Prize Corn 



17 



It is well for us to remember that when we get a small butt, shank and cob 
in an ear, we are bound to suffer, in other directions, more or less, for what 
we have gained, especially if we go to the extreme. The stalk will correlate 
itself with these characteristics and become slender, weaker and more likely 





fSSMSttJS 









Fig. 4 

to break over with the wind; the foliage will be scarcer and paler and there will 
be a general weakening in constitution. 

Fig. 4. Space Between Kernels. — Space between kernels next to the cob 
is objectionable because it results in less proportion of corn to the cob, poorer 



1 8 Growing Prize Corn 

feed value and weaker stalks and lower yield. It is also an indication of im- 
maturity. These two ears are almost exactly the same size and shape, yet No. 
2 shelled out thirty-three per cent, more corn than No. i, and the corn was 
cleaner, brighter and more solid. The right-hand row of kernels is from ear 
No. I with space at cob. The left row of kernels is from ear No. 2 which shows 
no space. Compare No. 4 with No. 3 and No. 6 with No. 5 and notice the 
difference in plumpness of tips of kernels. . Judging from outward appearances 
alone these two ears presented an equally good appearance. It is not enough 
to study the ear only; we must study the kernels, also. 

Plumpness of Tips of Kernels. It is always advisable that the kernels 
of an ear should have plump, bright, clean tips, which indicate good constitu- 
tion, maturity and feeding value as well as a high percentage of corn to the cob. 




Fig. 5 

Fig. 5. Pairs of Kernels From Different Ears. Kernels Should be 
Uniform in Size and Shape. — It will also be observed that these kernels are far 
from uniform in size and shape (compare Nos. 4, 5 and 6) and hence no planter 
will drop an even number per hill. When we realize that all of these kernels 
were taken from ears that appeared to be good, when examined from the 
standpoint of the ear alone, we can readily appreciate the importance of paying 
more attention to the study of the kernels of corn in our seed ears. The shapes 
best for the corn belt will vary with different varieties and with the purpose 
for which the corn is grown, but there is a tendency toward a uniformity of 
shape and type of kernels for the general field crop. Such type and shape are 
shown best by pairs of kernels Nos. 1, 6, 7 and 12 in order named. For late 
planting or early feed, types like Nos. 11 and 3 are better. No. 12 has full 
plump tips, early clean germs and bright horny kernels. Nos. 4, 8 and 10 show 
the poorest shapes of kernels. It is more difficult to mature an ear with this 
shape of kernel than one of the same size having kernels like No. 12. 

Uniformity in Size and Shape of Kernels. In selecting ears for seed or 
for show, much attention should be paid to picking those with kernels of uni- 
form size and shape. 



Growing Prize Corn 19 

1. The kernels should be uniform on the different parts of the ear, i. e., 
they should not be broad and thin on one side and of the shoe-peg type on the 
other. They should not be thick, coarse and deep at one end, and small and 
round and shallow toward the other. Ears with irregular kernels commonly 
called "nigger heads," caused by the dropping of rows, by imperfect pollen- 
izing or by crooked rows, should be laid aside for other ears providing these 
are as good in other respects. 

2. In length, breadth and depth of the kernels the different ears should 
be as nearly alike as possible. This is necessary if we are to secure an even 
stand and uniformity in essential characteristics. 

The particular size and shape of kernels will necessarily depend on the 
variety of corn grown, the length of season and the use to which the crop is put. 

Well Filled Butts and Tips of Ears. Other things being equal, a well 
filled butt and tip are desirable. They give us just that much more corn and 
indicate that the corn has been well bred for a number of years. We must not, 
however, make the mistake as some do, of sacrificing yields and other qualities 
to this one thing. It is valuable just to the extent that it gives us more corn. 

The well-filled tips and butts are apt to occur on rather short ears; there- 
fore, unless we are on guard, we will unconsciously shorten the ears, and in this 
way lose more than we gain by adding a few more kernels to the tip and butt. 

The question should always be, Is this ear as good in all other respects ? 
If so, choose it in preference. 

Furrows Between the Rows. These will vary with the latitude and 
with the variety. In the northern part of the corn belt it is necessary to grow 
varieties with fewer rows, and shallower and broader kernels. These are 
always accompanied with a pronounced opening or furrow between the rows. 

Character of Dent. The character of the dent has much to do with the 
appearance of corn. It is one of the important characteristics in distinguish- 
ing varieties. While there are all gradations of dent, yet the common designa- 
tions are smooth, medium rough, rough and chaffy. The tendency is for corn 
to become smoother on thin soils, in the shorter seasons of the north, and as 
the elevation is increased. Generally speaking roughness is associated with 
lateness, and smoothness with earliness; again, roughness is always associated 
with deep kernels, and smoothness with shallow kernels. There has been a 
tendency toward a deeper kernel, and as a consequence some of our varieties 
have become later, more immature, lighter and of poorer quality. 

Purity of Color in Both Grain and Cob. The color of the kernels and 
of the cob should correspond to the variety represented. 

Smoothness of Backs of Kernels. The blistering of the back of a 
kernel indicates that it did not dry out properly or was frozen while still sappy. 
In either case there is danger that the germ is weakened or killed. 

Smoothness of Germ. The puffing or wrinkling of the face of the germ 
may indicate freezing or improper drying and should lead to a careful examina- 
tion of the germ and especially of the embryo. 

Adherence of Chaff to Tip Cap of Kernel. Frequently some of the 
chaff of the cob will adhere to the tip cap of the kernel. This is generally an 
indication that the ear was more or less immature when harvested. It occurs 
oftenest on rough, deep kerneled ears. It suggests that the ear was a little 
too late for the region. When shelled such corn appears dull and chaffy, 



20 



Growing Prize Corn 



instead of clean, bright and sound, and of course there is more danger that 
it has been injured by mold or freezing. 

Adherence of Tip Cap of Kernel to the Cob. This is similar to the 
condition just described above, except that the tip cap of the kernel breaks off 
in the cob. When the corn matures naturally the kernels will separate from 
the cob at the proper place, leaving the chaff attached to the cob and the tip 
cap to the kernel, as it should be. 

The Cob, Its Size and Condition. The cob should be light, bright in 
color, soft, not harsh or woody, and free from mold. A large, swollen butt and 
a projecting shank where the ear was broken off at the time of husking are 
objectionable. 

Both of these conditions indicate lack of breeding, shallow and irregular 
kernels and a low proportion of corn to the cob. Ears with large butts and 
large shank attachments are hard to husk and slow in drying out. The shank 
should break off close in at the butt of the ear instead of leaving an inch or two 
protruding from the butt. 

Straight Rows. Straight rows are preferable to crooked rows. Ears 
with twisting rows are certain to have more or less irregular kernels and to show 
inferiority in many other ways. 




Fig. 6 



Fig. 6. Grand Champion Dam and Five of its Progeny. Exhibited by 
Earl Zeller, Cooper, Iowa, in Iowa Junior Contest, 1910. — From the corn, 
shelled off the mother ear at the left and planted, Earl Zeller was able in 
the fall to select these five sample ears. It is seldom that so. many good seed 
ears can be obtained from the planting of a dozen ears. We have not yet 
learned the value of good ears of corn, ones which will produce results in yield 
and quality. 

Fig. 7. Space Between Rows. — Study these ears carefully. Ear No. 3 
has about the right amount of space between the rows to insure best results, 
while ears Nos. 1 and 4 illustrate the extreme. Ear No. 1 has too much space, 



Growing Prize Corn 



21 



showing a deterioration or "run out" appearance, and it will shell out a low 
per cent, of corn to the cob. On the other hand, where there is too little 
space between the rows, as in the case of No. 4, the ear generally presents a 
dull, starchy or immature appearance. The kernels are too pointed or wedge 
like, leaving a great deal of open space next to the cob, and are lacking in 
vitality. Ear No. 2 has a little too much space, while there is perhaps not 
quite enough on ear No. 5. 




Fig. 7 

Fig. 8. Irregular Kernels. — In selecting seed ears Nos. 2 and 3 should be 
discarded as no planter will drop a uniform number of these kernels per hill. 

Ears Nos. 1 and 4 have kernels of uniform size and shape, and when the 
butts and tips were shelled off the planter dropped three kernels to a hill in 
ninety-three to ninety-five times out of every 100 tests, while ear No. 2 tested 
74-3S, I9-2S, 6-is and 1-5S. 

Fig. 9. Cross Section of Ears. — Nos. 1 and 3 have about the right pro- 
portion of corn to the cob. In the case of No. 2 the cob is too small and in 
time the constitution and yield will suffer. The cob in No. 4 is too large. 

Fig. 10. Study the Seed Ears. — Don't guess, when a little examination 
will reveal the strength and weakness of the ears. 

Ear No. I is strong, sound, has good kernels with fair depth, which it 
carries well down to the butt of the ear. 



22 



Growing Prize -Corn 



Ear No. 2 tapers too much. The kernels are too deep at the butt, and too 
shallow toward the tip, making them too uneven for the planter. 

Ear No. 3 has small, shallow, flinty kernels, but little larger than the 
kernels of pop-corn, which will run through the planter too fast. 




Fig. 8 




3 Fig. 9 2 



Growing Prize Corn 



23 



These three ears were shelled 
together and tested in the planter. 
The number of kernels dropped per 
hill ranged from two to seven. 

Fig. 11. Desirable and Unde- 
sirable Ears. — Note carefully the 
difference in these ears. Ears Nos. 
2 and 5 have kernels of fair depth, 
which they carry as well as they 
should down to the tip of the ears. 
Ear No. 4 has a deep kernel but 
becomes too shallow at the tip of the 
ear, and there is some space between 
the kernels next to the cob and the 
kernels are too thin for good con- 
stitution. Ears Nos. 1 and 3 have 
shallow, low kernels and should be 
discarded. ' Until the kernels were 
well examined the real weakness of 
these ears was not discovered. The 




Fig. 10 



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Fig. ir 



24 



Growing Prize Corn 



casual observer would have pronounced all of these ears good from general 
appearance. 

Fig. 12. Scrubs or Degenerates. — They are always most numerous when 
conditions are unfavorable, such as poor ground, late planting, poor cultiva- 
tion, careless selection of seed, etc. If you will notice carefully you will observe 
the peculiarly beaked appearance at the front part of the crown of the kernels 
on ears Nos. 4 and 5. These points, where the silks attached, are almost 
needle-like in their sharpness. This is a sign of degeneracy wherever found. 
It generally appears on ears which show many other signs of degeneracy. 




>' ; 




Fig. 12 



Fig. 13 



Fig. 13. More Degenerates. — What a contrast to the prize winning ears! 
No one would think of planting these ears, but they illustrate what happens ( 
more or less, in every corn-field but especially where we have a mixture of 
different kinds of types of corn. 

Ear No. 1 is faulty, particularly because of the irregular rows and conse- 
quent irregular kernels. 

Ear No. 2 shows the result of mixture of early and late types. If you will 
notice carefully you will see many broken or ruptured kernels. These kernels 
inherited the late characteristics of one of the parents and were soft when 
other kernels hardened and crowded them. The crowns broke open, and many 
of them have become affected and are rotten and moldy. 

Ear No. 4 was too late. By the time its silks were pushed out the pollen 
was gone, and the only fertilization it received was from the old and weak 
grains of pollen which blew off the leaves and tassels where it had lodged. 

Fig. 14. — Ear No. 2 has 540 kernels while No. 3 has 1140, or double the 
number on ear No. 2. 

These ears were picked from the seed ears which were being shelled 
together for planting. When the man was shown these three ears, and asked 
if he thought the planter would give an even drop with such wide variation 
in kernels, he said, "Well, I hadn't thought of that; they looked like good ears 
and I put them in." And so they were good ears in themselves. 



Growing Prize Corn 



25 



When these ears were shelled separately and tested in the planter, No. 2 
dropped 158 kernels in 100 drops, while ear No. 3 dropped 387 kernels in 100 
drops or checks. But this is not the only disadvantage; the yield and quality 
of the crop will be affected in other ways. There will be immature, moldy, 
and frozen corn, high ears and low ears, ears hard to husk and ears easy to 
husk, etc. 

If this man had laid out his ears intended for seed side by side on the table 
and removed two kernels from each ear, the variation would have been appar- 
ent. The trouble was that he looked at each ear separately and without any 
relation to the other. 





Fig. 14 



Fig. is 



Fig. 15. Broken Kernels. — Notice that many of the tips' of the kernels 
(lower one-third) remained attached to the cob. Generally only a portion of 
the kernels on an ear are affected. A careful examination will show that the 
rows of kernels in the spots affected are slightly raised above the others. 
Ordinarily, this condition will not be detected until kernels are removed for 
study, or the ear is shelled. It is probably caused by a disease in connection 
with the silks, which sometimes lie between the rows of kernels as they develop. 
If ears are shelled separately such ears can be discarded. It is not enough to 
simply discard the kernels affected. 

Fig. 16. The Backs of the Kernels (side opposite germ). — Examine the 
backs of the kernels, for weakness and strength are often revealed there. Nos. 
7, 6, 14 and 13 are the strongest kernels here. They are clean, bright and 
horny. The only objection to Nos. 14 and 13 is that the tips of the kernels 
have a little too long projection. Nos. 5, 6 and 4 are even more objectionable 
in this respect. It interferes with the drop. The kernel is really larger than 
it appears. Nos. 11 and 12 are too pointed and shriveled at the tips. They 
indicate lack of constitution. Nos. 12 and 10 show a whitish or chalky color, 



26 



Growing Prize Corn 



which shows that the ears did not mature. Such corn is poor in quality 
and will reproduce after its kind. Nos. 8 and 9, kernels cracked or broken 
one-third of the way to crown. 




Fig. 16 

Fig. 17. How to Pick Out the Ear with Rich Kernels. — The best 100 ears, 
discussed in the chapter on "The Third Essential" (see fig. 6, p. 40 "hanging 
up the seed") should have large, deep germs. 




Fig. 17 

In preparing the seed corn for the planter in the spring, two or three 
kernels are taken from each ear and laid on the table, germ side up, in front of 
their respective ears. You will notice that some of these kernels will have 



Growing Prize Corn 



27 



broad germs, others will have narrow germs. In some cases the germ will run 

well to the crown of the kernel, etc. We should not stop by simply examining 

the length and breadth of the germ on the face of the kernel, we should split 

the kernel open with a knife lengthwise through the germ, to determine the 

thickness or depth as well. 

Nos. 21 to 37 show the kernels split open, half of the kernels being removed. 

Note the great variation in depth of germ. Nos. 35, 33, 29, 28, 27 and 21 are 

deep germs, No. 35 being from the ear richest in oil and protein of the 1400 

ears analyzed. Nos. 22, 23, 26, 31 and 32 were especially 

poor. 

The two lower rows show the cross section 

of the kernels, i. e., the tip of the kernels being 

cut off showing the depth and width of germ. 

Nos. 2, 4 and 14 have either narrow or shallow 

germs. Nos. 12, 16, 13, 15 and 17 show good 

size of germ. 

Fig. 19 

18 and 19. — Cross section of kernel showing depth and width of 






Fig. 20 

Fig. 20. — In No. I the kernels show chaffy portion of cob adhering to them. 
It gives a bad appearance to the corn and indicates immaturity. No. 2 
shows kernels that are cracked about one-third of the way from tip to crown 
being injured by some disease. This condition may not be observed until 
the ear is shelled. Although only a portion of the kernels on an ear is affected, 
the whole ear should be discarded to prevent the continuation of the weakness. 
If each ear is shelled separately, as it should be, this can be done easily. In 



28 



Growing Prize Corn 



No. 3 the tip cap has too long a projection which interferes with planting. These 
kernels also show a whitish or starchy appearance toward the tip, indicating 
that the ear did not fully ripen. No. 4 shows kernels with tip cap projecting, 
the germ having broken off in shelling. While this is not a serious defect, 
it shows that the ear did not ripen completely. 

Of the five pairs of kernels in the lower row, No. 5 is the most desirable. 
Pairs of kernels Nos. 8, 9, 12 and 13 are also desirable, showing a combination 
of good depth, large clean germs and good maturity. Nos. 10, 11,6 and 7 are 
less desirable. 




Fig. 21 



Fig. 21. — Kernels showing large and small germs, taken from different 
ears of corn. The left-hand kernels in all pairs came from ears with low feeding 
value and should be discarded for seed purposes; while the right-hand kernels 




Fig. 22 



Growing Prize Corn 29 

with large germs came from ears with a high per cent, of oil, protein and ash 
and give strong plants. 

Fig. 22. Type of Kernels. — Nos. i, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 11 are illustrations of 
kernels with small, weak germs. Note how small the germs are compared 
with Nos. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Nos. 8 and 9 have poor shaped kernels; this coupled 
with their small germs, make them very undesirable. Pointed kernels such 
as these do not give room for good development of the germ. In addition to 
being pointed, these kernels are very thin at the tips, and so are weaker than 
they appear. Kernels of this shape frequently break off in shelling, especially 
if immature. No. 2 has a shrunken, blistered germ owing to its immaturity, 
but it is of better form than Nos. 1, 8 or 9. Ears with pointed kernels give a 
very low percentage of corn to cob, as the wedge-like shape of the kernels does 
not allow them to fit closely at the tips next to the cob. Nos.. 3 and 10 are 
types of very broad, shallow kernels such as are grown in the north where the 
season is short and where deep kernels could not mature. Kernels Nos. 5 
and 12 have germs rather under the medium size, but are particularly weak 
at the crown. They do not carry their width up well like Nos. 13 and 14. 
They are thin at the crown, giving the ear a chaffy appearance. Of the remain- 
ing four No. 14 is the best, followed by Nos. 6, 13 and 7 in the order named. 
These four are particularly good kernels for the corn belt, they carry their 
width well down to the tip, have large, plump tips and large, clean germs. 
The general appearance of the kernels indicates strength and vitality. 

THE GERMINATION TEST 




Fig. 23 

Fig. 23. — After the poorer ears have been discarded, the ears are ar- 
ranged as shown above; the nails separating them into ten-ear divisions. Each 
tenth ear is numbered 1, II, 21, etc. Six kernels are taken from each ear, 
beginning with No. I, and placed in the germination box, shown at the right 
of the table, to sprout. 



30 Growing Prize Corn 

There are several excellent Seed Corn Testers on the market. Probably 
no method is better suited to all conditions than what is known as the Sawdust 
Germination Box method, which is briefly described as follows: 

Getting Ready. Make a box three to four inches deep and 30x30 inches 
in dimensions. Fill the box about half full of moist sawdust well pressed down 
so as to leave a smooth, even surface. The sawdust should be put in a gunny 
sack and set in a tub of warm water for at least an hour (or still better over 
night) so that it will be thoroughly moistened before using. Rule off a piece 
of good white cloth (sheeting) about the size of the box, into squares, checker- 
board fashion, two and one-half inches each way. Number the squares, 1,2, 
3, etc. Place the cloth on the sawdust and tack it to the box at the corners and 
edges. Lay out the ears to be tested side by side, as shown in fig. 30, on planks, 
tables, or on the floor; remove one kernel from near the butt, middle, and tip 
of the ear; turn the ear over and remove three kernels from the opposite side 
in like manner, making six kernels in all, thus securing a sample from the entire 
ear. Place the six kernels at the end of the ear from which they are taken* 
Use care that the kernels do not get mixed with those from the ear next to it. 
After the kernels are removed, boards may be laid over the rows of ears to 
keep them in place until the result of the germination is known. Place the 
kernels from the ear of corn No. 1 in square No. 1 of the germination box; 
from ear No. 2 in square No. 2, and so on with all the ears. Lay a piece of 
good cloth on top of the kernels and dampen it by sprinkling water over it. 
Then place over this a cloth considerably larger than the box and fill in on top 
of this about two inches of moist sawdust and pack it down firmly by treading 
with the feet. The edges of the cover may be folded over the sawdust in the 
box to prevent drying out. The box is now ready to set away until the kernels 
sprout. Keep in an ordinarily warm place like the living-room where it will 
not freeze. The kernels will germinate in about eight days. 

Remove the cover carefully to avoid misplacing the kernels in the squares. 
Examine the kernels in each square in the germination box, and discard all 
ears whose kernels in the box are dead or show weak germination. 

Special Things to be Observed. Be sure to soak the sawdust at least 
one hour — or better still over night. 

Use good quality of cloth (sheeting) for the cloth that is marked off in 
squa res and the cloth which is laid over the kernels. 

Leave at least two inches margin around the edges of the box to prevent 
freezing and drying out. 

Rule the cloth off in large squares 2>£x2>£ inches. 

Never use the box the second time without first thoroughly scalding both 
the cloths and sawdust. (The cloth should be untacked and the sawdust 
removed to do this.) 

Do not open too soon. The stem sprouts should be at least two inches 
long. 

Throw out all ears showing weak germination as well as the dead ears. 

Advantages of the Sawdust Germination Box. 1. It costs nothing 
but a little time and labor. 

2. It furnishes nearly natural or normal conditions. 

3. The sawdust is light, clean and easy to get and handle in February and 
the first of March, when the testing should be done; is a good non-conductor 



Growing Prize Corn 



3i 



of heat and cold, so that the temperature is kept even during germination, 
and holds the moisture so perfectly that there is no danger of drying out. 

The number of boxes required will depend upon the amount of seed to be 
tested and the time limit. Where several boxes are used, we generally stack 
them up, one on top of the other. 

When the first set of boxes has been taken off, it is a good plan to put 
another set over at once, and while the corn in these is sprouting, the first 
set of ears can be butted and tipped, shelled, graded and hand-picked. If 
more than one kernel of the six fail to grow, the ear should be discarded. If 
only one kernel fails to grow, the ear should generally be v discarded; unless it is 
an especially good ear in other respects, when it might be well to give it another 
trial in the next test. 

Ears whose kernels mold badly in the germination box should be dis- 
carded. If the kernels show weak, spindling sprouts, or a part of them are 
very weak and uneven, the ear should be thrown out to make place for an ear 
whose kernels give strong, vigorous sprouts. Remember that the kernels 
which are slow to sprout and are weak will be behind the strong ones in the 
field, and being shaded by them will give us weak, runty stalks with small ears. 

Poor seed means a poor stand, with missing hills; one-stalk hills with weak 
stalks, producing little or nothing, also wasted land and wasted labor; it means 
less than thirty bushels of corn per acre instead of fifty or sixty; it means that we 
produce on an average in each hill just one small ear of corn weighing less than 
ten ounces. 

The following illustrations will show thoroughly every step in making this 
test: 




Fig. 24 



Fig. 25 



Fig. 24. — Putting the gunny sack of sawdust over to soak in warm water. 
Fig. 25. — Pushing the sack of sawdust down into the water to insure 
thorough soaking. 



32 



Growing Prize Corn 



Fig. 26.— Seed left to soak for at least one-half hour (better over night), 
when it should be removed from the water which has become cold and put into 
warm or hot water. It is always 
best to have the sawdust warm when 
put into the box, ready for the corn 
to be put over. 

Sawdust can always be obtained 
from the ice house, sawmill, lumber 
yard or meat market. 





Fig. 26 • Fig. 27 

Fig. 27. — Take the sack out of the tub and tread it to remove the excess of 
water, so that it will not be too cold and soggy for the corn and to prevent the 
water from running out of the box after the corn is placed therein. 




Fig. 28 Fig. 29 

Fig. 28. — Put two inches of this sawdust in the box and pack it down so 
that it is smooth and firm. It is now ready for the germination cloth. This 
box is 30x30x4 inches deep and will test 100 ears. 



Growing Prize Corn 



33 



Fig. 29. — Place the germination cloth, which has been ruled off in squares, 
on the sawdust in the box and tack to the edges sufficiently to hold in place. 
Notice that there is a two and one-half inch margin around the edge of the box. 

Fig. 30. — Ears laid out ready for making the germination test. A spike 
is driven after every tenth ear. Every tenth ear is numbered, as shown, with 




Fig. 30 
a piece of chalk. Six kernels are now taken from different places in ear No. I 
and placed in square No. 1 on the cloth in the germination box, as shown in the 
next cut. This process is repeated with ears Nos. 2, 3, 4, etc., until all of the 
ears have been put over to test. 

Fig. 31. — Arranging the kernels in the squares. The kernels are laid on 
their backs with germ side up, the tips toward the left and the crowns toward 
the right or top of the box. Remember that the crowns of the kernels are all 
one way, in this case toward the right. 




Fig. 31 Fig. 32 

Fig. 32. — Putting on the cover cloth. As soon as this is laid over the 
kernels, sprinkle a few handfuls of warm water over it to fit it down tight over 
them. It is now ready for the larger cloth, on top of which is to be put two 
inches of sawdust. 



34 



Growing Prize Corn 



Fig. 33. — This cloth is larger than the box. On top of this fill in with about 
two inches of the warm sawdust and pack down firmly, as shown in next cut. 




Fig. 33 Fig. 34 

Fig. 34. — Packing the sawdust down firmly over the corn. The edges of 
this top cloth may now be folded in over the sawdust to prevent evaporation. 




Fig. 35 Fig. 36 

Fig- 35- — Folding the cloth in from the edges over the sawdust. 
Fig. 36. — The crowns of the kernels are toward the right side of the box 



Growing Prize Corn 



35 



which is being raised by placing under it a four-inch brick. When the kernels 
sprout, the stems which come from the crown end of the kernels will grow 
toward the upper side of the box, and the roots which come from the tips of 
the kernels will grow down toward the lower side. The advantage of this will 

be apparent after you have had ex- 
perience with testing. 

Fig- 37- — Set away for the corn 
to sprout. Frequently five or six 
boxes will be put over at the same 
time and set on top of each other. 

Fig. 38. — Rolling off the top 
cloth with the sawdust. 




Fig. 39 Fig. 38 

Fig. 39.— Peel back the cover cloth carefully so as not to disturb the 
kernels. The kernels have only started to sprout and the box must be 
recovered and left until the sprouts are two inches long, as shown in fig. 41. 




Fig. 40 



36 



Growing Prize Corn 



Fig. 40. — At the end of eight days the box is uncovered and carefully 
studied. The tester has pulled back ears Nos. 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, etc., and is now 
pulling back ear No. 17. This is to show that some or all of the kernels in the 
germination box from these ears were either dead or weak. These ears will be 
discarded. 




Ifaittg'aMiM^MiaaBS&aa^ 



Fig. 41. Showing sprouts in the germinating test at the end of eight days. 



Fig. 41. — Ears Nos. 2, 6, 9 and 11 should be discarded. Ears Nos. 3, 5, 8 
and 10 are strong. Save out ears like these for the best 100 ears provided they 
are good in other respects. Ears may have life as in the case of No. 6, but when 
these kernels fall into the hills with others, like Nos. 3 or 5, they are deprived 
of food and light and give us stalks with little or no grain, but they produce 
pollen to scatter over the field to propagate their kind. Ear No. 6 is one of the 
kind that fools us, when we attempt to judge by the eye and the jack-knife 
method. Ear No. 6 was planted by the side of ear No. 3 but yielded less than 
half the corn in the fall. 

If we buy the germination boxes and the cloth and hire the work done it 
will not cost to exceed sixteen cents per acre to test every ear for seed. 



Growing Prize Corn 37 

Fig. 42. Rows From Separate Ears. — Test each ear of seed before planting 
time and discard the dead ones. Don't GUESS but TEST. 




Fig. 42 

Each row in this field was planted from a different ear of corn. The row 
on the left on which the man is standing is fine; the row on which the other 
man is standing is good; but the middle row, or the one between them, is almost 
worthless. The testers " GUESSED IT WOULD GROW." 



THE THIRD ESSENTIAL 

Shelling, Grading and Picking Over the Ears so That 
They Will Plant Properly 

BUTTING AND TIPPING 

Fig. 1. — When the corn has been tested and the weak and dead ears have 
been discarded, the small, irregular tip kernels and the large butt kernels should 
be shelled off, mainly because they will not drop evenly from the planter. 
In case there is more seed than can be tested at one time, it will be advisable 
to put a second set over to germinate while the first lot is being butted, tipped, 
shelled, etc. 

SHELLING AND GRADING THE EARS 

Fig. 2. — Shell each ear separately, catching the corn in a basin or box. 
This makes it possible to grade the corn as to size and quality of kernels. 
The young man at the right is examining the corn from an ear. If the kernels 
are large, he will put them in one of the boxes marked "large size." If clean, 
bright, and of good quality they will go into a box marked "first grade"; if 
not so good they will go into a box marked "second grade." If the kernels 



38 



Growing Prize Corn 



are rather small they will go in a like manner into a box marked "small size." 
In case an ear when shelled shows a large number of broken, moldy or rotten 
kernels, or is inferior in quality in other ways, the corn is emptied into a 



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dish marked "discard." Plant grade No. I first and use only what is 
necessary of the second grade to finish with. The larger planter plates should 
be used for the larger grade and the smaller plates for the smaller grade. 




Fig. 2 



The importance of shelling each ear separately cannot be too strongly 
emphasized. 



Growing Prize Corn 



39 



TESTING THE PLANTER 

After shelling fifteen or twenty ears and grading them as described in 
the former steps, the two grades should be taken to the planter and tested 
with the different plates. If the test shows that one or both of the grades 
are not suited to the plates, another fifteen or twenty ears should be shelled 
and the grades readjusted by putting more of the corn into the large grade, 
or the reverse. In like manner test these grades in the planter. You will 
now be in a position to shell the remainder of the seed and grade it intelli- 
gently. Testing the planter, as described, will require not to exceed two 
hours' work. The right amount of seed and an even drop are essential to 
the largest yield. This is especially true where the corn is mostly checked 
and the crop is grown for the ears and not for the fodder. DON'T GUESS, 
know that the planter drops your 
seed properly. 





Fig. 3 



Fig. 4 



GETTING RID OF CHAFF AND IRREGULAR GRAINS 

Fig. 3. — While not generally done, it is a good plan to put one-third to 
one-half of a bushel of shelled corn in a box at a time and tread it with the 
feet for two or three minutes to rub off the chaff and projecting tips of the 
kernels. Chaff gathers under the planter plates and around the trip and 
frequently greatly interferes with the dropping. There is often a little sharp 
projection at the tip of the kernels, especially if the seed was picked early 
or is slightly immature, which interferes with the regularity of the drop unless 
rubbed or broken off as described above. The corn should now be run 
through the fanning mill to blow out the chaff, or, better still, run through 
the little hand sorter as shown in fig. 4. This will not only take out the 
chaff but will also remove the small, inferior kernels and the large, irregular 



40 



Growing Prize Corn 



ones, such as " nigger heads, " which are caused by imperfect pollenization:[of 
the corn and are found more or less in every ear. Running the seed through 
the hand sorter greatly lessens the work of "hand-picking" described in the 
next step. A bushel of corn can be run through the hand sorter in five 
minutes. 




Fig. 5 

PICKING OUT BAD KERNELS 

Fig. 5.— Spread the corn on a table, a small quantity at a time, and pick 
out the black, broken, barren, moldy, rotten kernels which would take the 
place of good ones in the planter, leaving vacant places in the field where there 
should have been good stalks and good hills. This work is often done even- 
ings when the boys and girls are home from school. The corn being spread 
out on the kitchen or dining-room table, it will require but an hour or so to go 
over a bushel of seed corn in this way, depending somewhat on the quality. 
If you have never run over your seed, hand-picking it as described above, 
you will have very little conception of the number of defective kernels you 
will find in a bushel. Try it this coming spring, you can't possibly lose. It 
will increase your profits this year and improve the corn for the future. 




Fig. 6 



Growing Prize Corn 41 



STORING UNTIL USED 



Fig. 6. — When the seed has been tested, graded for the planter, hand- 
picked, etc., as described, it should be put in sacks containing not more 
than one-half bushel each, and hung up in a dry place free from mice. There 
is probably no better place than in the attic, where the strings of seed corn 
were hung during the winter. (See fig. 7, p. 7.) 



THE FOURTH ESSENTIAL 

Planning to Obtain Next Year a Better Stock of Seed Corn, by 
Selecting it Only From This Year's Best 

Special attention is called to the three sacks in the last figure hanging at 
the left labeled "seed from the best 100 ears." This best seed was put in 
flour or sugar sacks to distinguish it from the general supply of seed which 
was put in grain or gunny sacks. At planting time, take down this best seed, 
put it in the planter and plant it on one side of the field. Finish the field from 
the general supply of seed. In the fall go into the seven or eight acres planted 
from this best 100 ears and gather the seed for next year's planting. 

There is no law more certain than this that "like begets like." You ask 
how you are to secure those best 100 ears? While you are preparing the seed 
for the planter, i. e., sorting, testing, shelling, etc., keep watch for any unusually 
good ears. These should be laid to one side until all of the seed corn has 
been gone over. Then shell, hand-pick and hang up, in different-colored or 
different-sized sacks to distinguish them from the regular supply of corn seed. 

Bear in Mind These Three Facts: First: That we cannot possibly 
lose and we are certain to increase our profits, not only this year but every 
year. Second : That it costs almost nothing except a little attention, thought 
and work at the right time. Third: That every one can do this work himself 
and at a time when no other farm work will be neglected. 

PREPARING THE SOIL 

Selection and Preparation of Soil 

It will be understood by everyone that methods will vary greatly with 
different climates and different soils. There are no iron-clad rules which can 
be followed blindly in the growing of corn. 

Frequently two very different methods may give similar results. How- 
ever, there are certain principles which will apply under all conditions. 

It should be the motto of every corn grower to have good ground, to do 
his work on time and to do it thoroughly. 

Good Soil. What is needed is more clover, a better use of barnyard 
manure and a rotation of crops which shall include clover. 

Nothing can make up for poor ground. Too many are trying to grow 
corn on worn-out land that has produced corn and oats for years. A man at an 
institute in Illinois said in all seriousness that he was satisfied that the seasons 
were less favorable for growing corn than they used to be, as he could get no 
such crops as he formerly raised. It developed that he had grown corn for 
seventeen years in succession on the same piece of ground. No wonder "the 
seasons were becoming less favorable." 

The fact is that the time is near at hand when we must pay greater atten- 
tion to the fertility of our soil, to the conserving and restoring of the elements 
of plant food, or we shall soon be compelled to pay out millions of dollars each 
year for these elements in the form of commercial fertilizers. 

The tremendous importance attached to this question of plant food can- 
not be appreciated by those who have had no experience in using commercial 
fertilizers. 



42 Growing Prize Corn 

Fall Plowing for Corn. There is a great diversity of opinion regarding 
the merits of fall and spring plowing, even in the same neighborhood. Among 
the advantages of fall plowing may be named the following: 

i. The work can be done at the dullest time of the year when both men 
and teams would otherwise be idle. 

2. Having the ground already plowed in the spring gives us time better 
to prepare the soil, and, what is of equally great importance, to get our corn in 
on time. 

3. Better preparation and a warmer seed bed insure a better stand of corn . 

4. Fall plowing lessens the danger from insect injuries, especially in the 
case of sod ground. 

5. Weeds are prevented from seeding, and the seeds already in the ground 
will mostly germinate and be killed by the fall freezes .before seeding. This 
is especially true of early fall plowing. 

Some of the disadvantages of fall plowing are: 

1. Occasional losses from blowing and washing. 

2. Unless the ground plowed in the fall is disced early in the spring there 
is loss of moisture and a consequent "firing" of the corn during the latter part 
of July and August, especially in dry seasons. 

3. Fall plowing does not give as good an opportunity to spread manure 
during the late summer and through the winter. 

Recently the Soils Department of the Iowa State College conducted 
experiments with fall and spring plowing in different parts of the state, and in 
every case the yield of corn was greater on the fall than on the spring plowed 
land. The evidence is generally in favor of fall plowing in the corn belt. 

Fall Plowing Often Neglected. The mistake is commonly made of 
leaving the fall-plowed ground without discing until time to plant. By spring 
the ground has become packed by snows and rains and should be disced or at 
least harrowed as soon as oat seeding is over. This will conserve the moisture 
and prevent the "firing" of the corn in August.that so often follows fall plowing. 

Ground that is very rolling and likely to wash should not be plowed in the 
fall. Early fall plowing is generally advisable where the stubble ground is 
very weedy. 

Where the area put into corn is large, and the corn planting period is 
short, it is best kind of management to fall plow all stubble and sod ground. 

It may sometimes be advisable to leave some ground for spreading manure 
on during the winter. In this case it had better be the clover sod than timothy 
or bluegrass. 

Where clover is seeded with the oats or barley for fertilizing purposes, or 
where rape is sown in the oats for fall feed, it will, of course, be necessary to 
plow late in the fall. 

Early Spring Discing. The fall-plowed ground is generally neglected 
in the spring and left to dry out, while the weeds get a good start, robbing the 
ground of moisture and food. Not only should the fall-plowed ground be 
disced as soon as the oat seeding is over, but the corn-stalk ground as well. 
When corn-stalk ground is disced early in the spring, the moisture is saved, 
the stubs and stalks are cut up and mixed with the soil, and as a consequence 
are less bother during the cultivation, and a better seed bed is secured. If 
not disced, the surface is turned to the bottom of the furrow in a lumpy con- 
dition, where neither the harrow, disc nor cultivator can reach it. 

Better Treatment of Spring Plowing. We often abuse our spring- 
plowed land by turning up the furrows to the sun and dry winds to bake and 
dry out, depending on a shower to mellow the ground at planting time. It is a 
good rule never to leave the field either at noon or at night without first harrow- 
ing the ground that has been plowed. 

There is seldom any advantage in plowing more than six inches deep 
either in spring or fall. If ground is to be plowed deeper than formerly it 
should be done in the fall. On heavy soils the bad effects of too deep plowing 
is often apparent for several years. 



Growing Prize Corn 43 

PLANTING THE CORN 

Time and Method of Seeding — Quantity of Seed 

Early Planting. While too early planting is not advisable, yet I am 
perfectly safe in saying that for every dollar lost by too early planting, there 
are twenty dollars lost from planting too late. 

The advantages of reasonably early planting are: The assurance of better 
yields, better quality, and a better condition of ground; while there is less risk 
from frost in the fall, less danger of the freezing of seed before it is dried out 
and from spoiling in crib. Also there is time to replant in case of a poor 
stand due to any cause such as poor seed, too deep planting, injury from 
insects, etc. 

Hills Better Than' Drills. Generally, it is best to plant in hills. 
Repeated experiments show that there is no difference in yield of grain between 
the two methods of planting where the same amount of seed is used and the 
corn is kept equally clean; but it is more difficult to keep the drilled corn free 
from weeds under the average conditions and as a consequence the yield is more 
or less reduced. If there is any advantage from distributing the stalks in the 
case of drills, it is more than balanced by the better cultivation which the 
ground receives when the corn is planted in hills. 

Corn may sometimes be drilled to advantage under the following condi- 
tions: When the field is narrow or irregular or full of obstacles, such as stumps; 
when fodder is the prime consideration ; when the ground is sod and compara- 
tively free from weeds, but badly infected with cutworms and other insects; 
or when listing is practiced. 

Quantity of Seed to Plant. The number of kernels it is best to plant in 
each hill will depend on the strength or richness of the ground; type of corn — 
whether it is large or small; distance apart of rows and hills; latitude; the 
purpose for which the crop is grown; rainfall; and the vitality or germinating 
power of the seed. 

Corn should be planted thicker on strong land than on thin ground. Thick 
planting on poor land results in a large amount of fodder or stover at the 
expense of grain. On the other hand, it is even a more serious mistake to 
plant too little seed on very rich ground for the plants will sucker badly, and 
give a large amount of fodder but a disappointing yield of corn. The small, 
early growing varieties should be planted thicker than the large, late growing 
kinds. In northern parts where smaller varieties are grown, more seed should 
be used than farther south. For example, it is customary to plant three and 
four kernels per hill (generally four), in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and 
South Dakota, while two and three are planted in Tennessee, Missouri and 
Kansas. Still farther south corn is planted in drills four feet apart and it is 
thinned down to one stalk every two or two and one-half feet in the drill. 
This would not be half the number of stalks required to give the best results 
in Iowa or the north two-thirds of Illinois. Experience shows that corn should 
be planted thinner where the average annual rainfall is light. 

Corn is generally planted to-day in hills three and one-half feet apart each 
way. In some sections three feet eight inches is still the rule, but the tendency 
is toward three feet six inches as the standard. It is not settled that this is 
actually the best distance from the standpoint of yield, but taking the average 
of conditions it is probably not far from right. 

There is a tendency on the part of the manufacturers of planters, check 
row wires and cultivators to adopt a standard which is largely determined by 
the demand, but when once established the disposition to change is slow. 

Taking these standard distances of three feet six inches and three feet 
eight inches apart each way, what are the actual results year after year on 
different soils and in different localities, from planting different numbers of 
kernels per hill? 

After making a careful study of this question for the past ten years, I 
believe I am safe in making the following statement: That there is much 
greater danger from a stand too thin than from one too thick. 



44 



Growing Prize Corn 



Corn never thickens up. There is always a process of thinning out from 
the day it is planted until it is ripe. If we plant three and one-half kernels per 
hill, that is, three in one hill and four in the next, we will have at harvest an 
average of two and one-half stalks per hill. If we plant four we will come 
through with two and three-quarter stalks per hill. We make the mistake 
of thinking that if we plant three kernels we are getting three stalks per hill. 

Many Plant Too Deep. Too deep planting is especially bad when the 
seed is weak, and the spring cold and backward. When the ground is not well 
prepared, or is very mellow, there is danger of putting the seed down four or 
five inches, when two inches would be better. Especial care should be taken 
in early planting when the ground is still cold. 

Where the same seed was planted in two different fields, giving a good 
stand in one case and a very poor stand in the other, investigation showed 
that the poor stand was due to deep planting. Corn is generally planted deeper 
than we think. The planter wheels frequently sink into the ground two or 
more inches and the corn is covered another two inches. The planter tracks 
are then filled by harrowing, and the corn is often more than four inches deep. 
We usually watch the depth carefully for a few rounds when we start the planter 
and then pay no more attention to it. The soil is generally mellower as 
we get away from the head land, and consequently the corn is planted deeper 
than we supposed. The following illustrations show the results of deep and 
shallow planting: 




Fig. i 



Fig. 2 



Fig. i. Kernels Planted One, Two, Four, Six and Eight Inches Deep. — Not 
only do many kernels fail to grow when planted too deep, but those that come 
up are weaker, often producing no ears. 

Fig. 2. Effect of Deep and Shallow Planting, (a) planted two inches 
deep; (b) planted six inches deep. — Many are careless in planting and get the 
seed too deep. This is especially bad when the ground is cold and wet. Even 
when the ground is warm, the results are not so good as when the seed is put two 
to two and one-half inches deep. Twenty kernels of strong seed were planted 
on warm, sandy soil June 30th. Ten of the kernels were planted two inches 
deep (a) and ten were planted six inches deep (b). All ten kernels of the two- 
inch planting came up quickly and gave strong plants, as shown in the illus- 
tration. Only four of the ten kernels planted six inches deep came up and 
they were several days later appearing. The other six kernels sprouted but 
could not push their way to the surface, the sprouts doubling back as shown 
at (c). 



Growing Prize Corn 45 

Straight Rows and Even Checking. The yield of corn is often reduced 
and the work of cultivation made difficult and slow, because of carelessness in 
handling the planter. Uneven checking may be due to several causes. In 
the case of short fields we generally draw the wire too tight and the planter 
checks too quick both ways. On long fields we are apt to check ahead owing 
to the slack in the wire, and this is especially true where the tongue of the 
planter is raised too high and the team is fast. 

In the case of irregular shaped fields, the checking is frequently bad. This 
is especially true where the ends of the field are not at right angles with the 
rows. In this case there will be a jog every four rows, depending on how 
much the field is out of square. 

Carelessness in setting the anchor is the cause of much poor checking. 
It is a common practice to draw the wire to about a certain tightness at both 
ends of the field. It is a much better plan always to draw the anchor back at 
one end of the field to a definite line indicated by stakes, while at the other 
end it should simply be drawn until the wire has a certain tightness. 

CULTIVATION 

Maintaining a Good Seed Bed and Conserving Moisture 

Keeping Ground in Good Condition. Many think that there is 
nothing to do for two weeks after the corn is planted or until it is up and large 
enough for the first cultivation. There are others who believe in harrowing, 
and even in cultivation before the corn is up, but on account of the pressure of 
work neglect it. Where ground is left, untouched for two weeks and often 
longer, it becomes fouled with weeds, which take up moisture and plant food 
and make it difficult to work the corn. The ground is packed by the rains and 
baked by the sun, until it becomes hard and dry, and out of condition. 

It is especially important in the growing of corn that it be not stunted 
when young, as it never fully recovers even under the most favorable condi- 
tions. 

We should keep a good, mellow, lively tilth until the corn shades the 
ground, and prevents the rain and sun from beating upon it, and making it 
hard and dry. 

The time to kill weeds is before they come up and before they have 
deprived the corn of moisture and nourishment. 

Blind Cultivation. Where it is possible to do so it is a good plan to 
cultivate the corn once before it comes up, following the marks made by the 
planter wheels. This is known as "blind cultivation.'.' The cultivator 
shovels should be set so as to throw the dirt slightly away from the row. It 
is generally best to follow with the harrow in the same direction within two or 
three days. If the field is small so that the cultivation can be finished before 
the corn breaks through the surface, it is well enough to wait until the field 
is all cultivated, and then cross it with the harrow instead of following close 
behind the cultivator. However, in the case of large fields, it is best to follow 
the cultivator with the harrow. 

It is a common practice with some to harrow corn after it is up, but I prefer 
to cultivate and harrow as described above, and especially on corn-stalk 
ground where the old stubs catch more or less in the teeth. Even on oat 
stubble ground the harrow does considerable damage to the young corn. No 
one can afford to do less than to thoroughly loosen the ground before the corn 
comes up. It is a serious mistake to let our corn ground once get out of condi- 
tion in the spring. 

Shallow Cultivation at "Laying by" Time. It is also a very common 
mistake to cultivate shallow when the corn is small and lay it by with a deep 
cultivation. The reverse would be more profitable. There is little danger to 
the roots from the first deep cultivation, and there is a great advantage in 
going deep enough to secure a good mulch. 

The succeeding cultivations should be no deeper than is necessary to keep 
the ground clean. "Many cultivate corn as though the roots went straight 



4 6 



Growing Prize Corn 



down" instead of spreading out through the surface of the soil. It is very 
essential that we disturb the roots as little as possible when the corn is "laid 
by." We are very apt to feel that as this is our last chance at the corn, we 
must give it a deep cultivation, especially if the weeds have gotten a start. 
This is a mistake. Cultivation should be level and frequent. It may be 
deep at first but must be shallow later. 




Fig. i 

Fig. i. — "Many cultivate corn as though the roots went straight down." 

Fig. 2. — Four hills of corn at earing time, in natural position in the field, 

three feet eight inches apart. The surface soil was washed off as deep 'as the 




Fig. 2 

ground was plowed in the spring, exposing the roots. Few realize how com- 
pletely the ground is filled with the corn roots. Thorough early cultivation 
before the roots have developed is important. Experiments show that deep 



Growing Prize Corn 



47 



cultivation at the time of "laying by" greatly reduces the yield, especially 
when the first and second cultivations were shallow, thus allowing the roots to 
come near the surface. (Photograph by Prof. A. D. Showel.) 

WINNING PRIZES 

Points to be Considered in Corn Contests 

The best ear of corn is that ear which will, when planted, give the greatest 
profits per acre year after year. The best ear of corn for seed is also the best 
ear for the show. The judge will place the blue ribbon on that ear or on 
that sample of corn which he would select to plant year after year on his own 
farm, if he lived in the district from which the exhibits are made. 

In picking out his samples for the show the exhibitor should lay his ears 
out side by side on tables or planks where he can study and compare them. 

Four Questions. There are four fundamental questions which the 
exhibitor must ask himself in selecting his corn for the show or for seed. 
These are the four questions which the judge will also ask himself in placing 
the corn: 

1. Will it yield, will it produce, has it constitution, vigor, hardiness? 
Among the things which go to indicate good yield are size, shape, solidity 
and weight of ear, depth of kernel, size of germ, fullness of tip, of kernel, etc. 

2. Will it mature; i. e., ripen, not only this year, but every year in the 
region or district in which it is grown or entered for show? Immaturity will 
be indicated by too large an ear, too deep a kernel, sappiness, chaffiness, dull, 
starchy appearance, etc. 

3. Will it grow; i. e., will it germinate, giving strong, vigorous plants 
which will stand unfavorable conditions in the spring and summer? 

The exhibitor can settle the third question as to whether or not it will 
germinate strongly, by testing six or eight kernels from each ear in advance of 
the show. 

4. Does it show improvement? Has it years of careful selection or breed- 
ing back of it? Has it been mixed with brains so that it will reproduce uni- 
formly in type, in time of maturity, in size and shape of both ears and kernels? 




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